This year'steam vs. last year

[njm8845]

going into this year, I thought last year's team would be slightly better. I thought missing the game altering ability of Hammons would prove far more crucial than many realized.

Yesterday I watched a couple games from last year, and there is no doubt in my mind that we're better this year.

- swanigan is vastly improved.
- Davis and hill were a liability on the offensive side of the ball. This year everybody is a threat to score.
- our three point shooting has been historically good
- carsen is a lot better than expected.

Does anybody think that last year's team is better?

 

[BoilerDaddy]

going into this year, I thought last year's team would be slightly better. I thought missing the game altering ability of Hammons would prove far more crucial than many realized.

Yesterday I watched a couple games from last year, and there is no doubt in my mind that we're better this year.

- swanigan is vastly improved.
- Davis and hill were a liability on the offensive side of the ball. This year everybody is a threat to score.
- our three point shooting has been historically good
- carsen is a lot better than expected.

Does anybody think that last year's team is better?

I saw a lot of predictions similar to your's heading into the season, but, like you, I think that this year's team is a lot better.

The team is much more disciplined on defense, with the modified pack line that Painter is running. The team leads the nation in fewest free throw attempts allowed per field goal attempt, which is huge for a Purdue team. Purdue is also 12th nationally in defensive rebounding percentage, which means that teams are only getting one shot. Put it together and Purdue is currently 12th nationally in KenPom defense, which is a lot better than most fans and analysts predicted.

Offensively, Purdue is 3rd nationally in assists/field goal made and 9th in shooting efficiency, which demonstrates that this team is terrific at probing the defense for quality shots. Purdue is solid overall with the 15th ranked KenPom offense, but I see the potential to improve that considerably if Purdue can continue its recent trend of cutting down on the turnovers.

Perhaps most important, is that this year's team seems tougher mentally. Last year's team was a first half team. This year's team appears to be a second half team. Last year's team couldn't handle full court pressure. This year's team appears to handle it well.

Last year team might have been slightly more talented, but this year's team is much better as a unit. They are playing basketball the right way and I am really enjoying it.

 

[klmLB]

going into this year, I thought last year's team would be slightly better. I thought missing the game altering ability of Hammons would prove far more crucial than many realized.

Yesterday I watched a couple games from last year, and there is no doubt in my mind that we're better this year.

- swanigan is vastly improved.
- Davis and hill were a liability on the offensive side of the ball. This year everybody is a threat to score.
- our three point shooting has been historically good
- carsen is a lot better than expected.

Does anybody think that last year's team is better?

Our ceiling is higher this year due to our offensive efficiency. Our defense is worse than last year and we do miss a rim protector. We give up far more drives to the basket this year. However, our scoring is up so it's not as big of a deal.

Last year, we were so one dimensional offensively and it made it easier for opposing coaches to game plan. Players not named Hammons or Biggie were a little too robotic/predictable. This year, almost everyone we play is a legitimate threat to score and there is a good dynamic to being aggressive if the opportunity is there and if not run the offense.

 

[BoilerBiker]

Last year, we were so one dimensional offensively and it made it easier for opposing coaches to game plan. Players not named Hammons or Biggie were a little too robotic/predictable. This year, almost everyone we play is a legitimate threat to score and there is a good dynamic to being aggressive if the opportunity is there and if not run the offense.

Titus recently agreed with what some posters have been saying here
Regarding our past rigid lineups, offense

https://theringer.com/college-basketball-power-rankings-kentucky-purdue-434dcf276489#.rjdgby761

 

[TC4THREE]

I like last year's team more.

This team is good and has a chance to do some things but this far I think we are see much overreacting to beating up on a couple marshmallows recently. If this team is as good as some of you hope, we should have a great January and I'm not talking about 3 losses either.

 

[FeistyBoiler]

Difference is removing offensive liabilities from the rotation. Everyone is a threat to score and all except one is a threat from deep. Also we're handling the press much better. Most turnovers are in the front court vs last year which lead to lots easy points off turnovers. We have cut those way down I believe (haven't looked up stats to back that up). We do sorely miss Hammons I believe with his shot blocking/altering ways and his ability to score inside and out. The one benefit to him gone is that Painter is forced to play small ball when Isaac isn't playing well. Before we always had at least 2 bigs nearly the whole game and we forced the ball inside with minimal threats from the outside. PJ and Dakota have really improved as well as Cline but also you don't have the unnecessary 3-11 shot chucking performances from Stephens. Really everyone's outside shot has been better and more consistent this year. Oh and Caleb has been on a tear as well.

 

[Goboilerzzz]

Difference is removing offensive liabilities from the rotation. Everyone is a threat to score and all except one is a threat from deep. Also we're handling the press much better. Most turnovers are in the front court vs last year which lead to lots easy points off turnovers. We have cut those way down I believe (haven't looked up stats to back that up). We do sorely miss Hammons I believe with his shot blocking/altering ways and his ability to score inside and out. The one benefit to him gone is that Painter is forced to play small ball when Isaac isn't playing well. Before we always had at least 2 bigs nearly the whole game and we forced the ball inside with minimal threats from the outside. PJ and Dakota have really improved as well as Cline but also you don't have the unnecessary 3-11 shot chucking performances from Stephens. Really everyone's outside shot has been better and more consistent this year. Oh and Caleb has been on a tear as well.

And we don't have hill and Davis stopping our offense. Everything flows this year. We played 3 on 5 most of the year last year

 

[BoilerBiker]

Difference is removing offensive liabilities from the rotation. Everyone is a threat to score and all except one is a threat from deep. Also we're handling the press much better. Most turnovers are in the front court vs last year which lead to lots easy points off turnovers. We have cut those way down I believe (haven't looked up stats to back that up). We do sorely miss Hammons I believe with his shot blocking/altering ways and his ability to score inside and out. The one benefit to him gone is that Painter is forced to play small ball when Isaac isn't playing well. Before we always had at least 2 bigs nearly the whole game and we forced the ball inside with minimal threats from the outside. PJ and Dakota have really improved as well as Cline but also you don't have the unnecessary 3-11 shot chucking performances from Stephens. Really everyone's outside shot has been better and more consistent this year. Oh and Caleb has been on a tear as well.

As it stands now, we seem to be in a decent position to better our BTT 4 seed and NCAAT 5 seed.

 

[Mgkcbb]

going into this year, I thought last year's team would be slightly better. I thought missing the game altering ability of Hammons would prove far more crucial than many realized.

Yesterday I watched a couple games from last year, and there is no doubt in my mind that we're better this year.

- swanigan is vastly improved.
- Davis and hill were a liability on the offensive side of the ball. This year everybody is a threat to score.
- our three point shooting has been historically good
- carsen is a lot better than expected.

Does anybody think that last year's team is better?

Hammons was a monster last year. Even better than Swanigan is this year.

 

[rgarlitz]

One thing I think is better this year: the offense is more free-flowing. Last year it seemed that Purdue tried to force everything inside too often. The offense sometimes looked clunky.

Turnovers inside seem to be down this year, though both Biggie and Haas still have occassional problems handling it inside. They draw a lot of double teams. Swanigan in particular has gotten better at kicking it back out to an open shooter.

We do miss AJ around the rim, no doubt. But guard play in general is better and outside shooting in particular.

 

[BoilerDaddy]

Our ceiling is higher this year due to our offensive efficiency. Our defense is worse than last year and we do miss a rim protector. We give up far more drives to the basket this year. However, our scoring is up so it's not as big of a deal.

Last year, we were so one dimensional offensively and it made it easier for opposing coaches to game plan. Players not named Hammons or Biggie were a little too robotic/predictable. This year, almost everyone we play is a legitimate threat to score and there is a good dynamic to being aggressive if the opportunity is there and if not run the offense.

Call me crazy, but I think that the D is at least as good if not better.

 

[PistolPt]

Way more talent on this year's team. More offensive punch, defense IS getting better. Last year was good, this year team is very good.

I like last year's team more.

This team is good and has a chance to do some things but this far I think we are see much overreacting to beating up on a couple marshmallows recently. If this team is as good as some of you hope, we should have a great January and I'm not talking about 3 losses either.

 

[Dakota Girl]

going into this year, I thought last year's team would be slightly better. I thought missing the game altering ability of Hammons would prove far more crucial than many realized.

Yesterday I watched a couple games from last year, and there is no doubt in my mind that we're better this year.

- swanigan is vastly improved.
- Davis and hill were a liability on the offensive side of the ball. This year everybody is a threat to score.
- our three point shooting has been historically good
- carsen is a lot better than expected.

Does anybody think that last year's team is better?

Not close. Fans tend to forget that players change over their time here. This team is far better offensively with individual improvements and with skill set balance brought in with Carsen. I won't say the defense is better but it is improving as it learns to play a different way than last years team.

 

[northside100]

I like last year's team more.

This team is good and has a chance to do some things but this far I think we are see much overreacting to beating up on a couple marshmallows recently. If this team is as good as some of you hope, we should have a great January and I'm not talking about 3 losses either.

Agree, I still think AJ will be badly missed in conference play. Looking at the schedule, if this team is 7-2 in conference play by the end of January they'all have a real shot at improving on last year's regular season.

 

[tjreese]

going into this year, I thought last year's team would be slightly better. I thought missing the game altering ability of Hammons would prove far more crucial than many realized.

Yesterday I watched a couple games from last year, and there is no doubt in my mind that we're better this year.

- swanigan is vastly improved.
- Davis and hill were a liability on the offensive side of the ball. This year everybody is a threat to score.
- our three point shooting has been historically good
- carsen is a lot better than expected.

Does anybody think that last year's team is better?

nope...all of that is true...and the team is older

 

[tjreese]

Not close. Fans tend to forget that players change over their time here. This team is far better offensively with individual improvements and with skill set balance brought in with Carsen. I won't say the defense is better but it is improving as it learns to play a different way than last years team.

wouldn't have typed what I did had I read yours first...no need for me to do that

 

[TC4THREE]

Way more talent on this year's team. More offensive punch, defense IS getting better. Last year was good, this year team is very good.

Easy to write. Proof is yet to come. I think too many people are overly excited about beating up some terrible teams lately. When it comes down to it, we've beaten one noteworthy team so far and people are ready to label them the best team in the Painter era. I hope that is the case but I need to see more. MUCH more.

 

[PistolPt]

Easy to write. Proof is yet to come. I think too many people are overly excited about beating up some terrible teams lately. When it comes down to it, we've beaten one noteworthy team so far and people are ready to label them the best team in the Painter era. I hope that is the case but I need to see more. MUCH more.

Of course it's early but not just beating bad teams, how bout playing the #1 team in country right down to wire? Louisville just beat Kentucky and Purdue came back to give them a game in second half. What was our signature win last season at this time? Pittsburgh was nice but not ND caliber. Whose labeling them best team in Painter era? Some are excited as should be, going to be a fun season.

 

[TC4THREE]

Of course it's early but not just beating bad teams, how bout playing the #1 team in country right down to wire? Louisville just beat Kentucky and Purdue came back to give them a game in second half. What was our signature win last season at this time? Pittsburgh was nice but not ND caliber. Whose labeling them best team in Painter era? Some are excited as should be, going to be a fun season.

Close losses to good teams are just losses. I don't really view those losses as a feather in our cap. Had opportunities to win both. Didn't get the job done. They will need to do better in order to claim they are noticeably better than last year.

Whether ND on a neutral court is better than winning a road game at Pitt is debatable.

And when another thread is comparing this team to the 09-10 team then they are talking about this being the best team in the Painter era.

 

[PistolPt]

Close losses to good teams are just losses. I don't really view those losses as a feather in our cap. Had opportunities to win both. Didn't get the job done. They will need to do better in order to claim they are noticeably better than last year.

Your opinion brother and certainly entitled to it. Also agree that 3 losses in January wont get it done and honestly think they have a great January. We will see. I can this team being 20-3 at end of January. Outside of AJ gone, interested why you think last year's team was better at this time? Somebody mentioned above about flow of offense. Johnny Hill and RD stifled this offense. Who was go to guy? Butler game nobody stepping up and freshman takes ill advised shots at end of game cause nobody wanted the ball. CE has confidence we haven't seen in a frosh forever but doubtful he takes shot end of game when situation arises this year. Again like somebody mentioned earlier have older more experienced team also. Check out last years game against Iowa and AKST and trouble bringing ball to midcourt, see parallels this year? Again your opinion and respect that but I for me not close regarding talent between teams.

 

[TC4THREE]

I don't see how the talent isn't close considering most of the players are the same. Some are improved. We also lost Hammons which is a huge loss. Davis was a good players whose offensive shortcomings are being overblown here (carried us to MSU win) and our best perimeter defender by a mile. We do have Carsen now who is a talented freshman.

I'd say it's very close and I get how some might see this year as better but it's going to take much more for me to think they are noticeably better.

 

[Farmboyboiler]

I started the thread about the 09-10 team and this year's and while I'm not labeling them as the best team in the Painter era, I do think this as close as they have come to having a team that good.

 

[PistolPt]

Most players are the same but they are a year older. Makes a difference, experienceof another so they are better. Most are improved, who took a step back? Obviously Vince not playing as consistent but not too worried about. PJ, Dakota, Cline, Haas(one bad game against ND only), no Smotherman last year that brings energy. Pretty sure Biggie has done a 180 from last season. Yeah I'm seeing growth. Oh add a hopeful healthy Spike off bench whose played in championship and could pay dividends in tourney. We will see.

Not busting on ya and signing off for holiday so it's all good. Agree to disagree, all good.

Boiler up everybody and happy holidays!

 

[Dakota Girl]

wouldn't have typed what I did had I read yours first...no need for me to do that

I don't have the patience to read entire threads before I start running my mouth. Therefore I say the same things as others all the time. Hopefully someday I'll be old enough that my age will be my excuse!

 

[Dakota Girl]

I don't see how the talent isn't close considering most of the players are the same. Some are improved. We also lost Hammons which is a huge loss. Davis was a good players whose offensive shortcomings are being overblown here (carried us to MSU win) and our best perimeter defender by a mile. We do have Carsen now who is a talented freshman.

I'd say it's very close and I get how some might see this year as better but it's going to take much more for me to think they are noticeably better.

I do think we are better. Doesn't mean I'm right. My reasoning is that the loss of Hammons and Davis has been successfully mitigated by the the improvements/addition at guard and by the fact that having Haas and Swanigan is not much different than having Hammons/Haas and Swanigan, except Swanigan is much improved. To me, the net effect is a fairly significant improvement in overall team capability.

 

[tjreese]

I don't have the patience to read entire threads before I start running my mouth. Therefore I say the same things as others all the time. Hopefully someday I'll be old enough that my age will be my excuse!

I use that now.

 

[TC4THREE]

I do think we are better. Doesn't mean I'm right. My reasoning is that the loss of Hammons and Davis has been successfully mitigated by the the improvements/addition at guard and by the fact that having Haas and Swanigan is not much different than having Hammons/Haas and Swanigan, except Swanigan is much improved. To me, the net effect is a fairly significant improvement in overall team capability.

I get that line of thinking. Just trying to explain to some why I think as I do since a few seem more adamant that it's not close.

 

[Goboilerzzz]

I don't see how the talent isn't close considering most of the players are the same. Some are improved. We also lost Hammons which is a huge loss. Davis was a good players whose offensive shortcomings are being overblown here (carried us to MSU win) and our best perimeter defender by a mile. We do have Carsen now who is a talented freshman.

I'd say it's very close and I get how some might see this year as better but it's going to take much more for me to think they are noticeably better.

Davis went multiple games with 35+ minutes and no points. IU is the first that come to mind.

 

[TC4THREE]

Davis went multiple games with 35+ minutes and no points. IU is the first that come to mind.

Not only did that not happen against IU, it didn't happen once last year.

 

[Goboilerzzz]

Not only did that not happen against IU, it didn't happen once last year.

You're right, he played 34 minutes with no points. He also did it against Illinois. There were a few others where he poured in 2 or 4 playing practically the whole game. I don't want to rag on him, because I think it had a lot to do with playing the two bigs at the same time and clogging up the lane. My point is painter is slow/resistant to change and it has hurt us in the past.

 

[TC4THREE]

You're right, he played 34 minutes with no points. He also did it against Illinois. There were a few others where he poured in 2 or 4 playing practically the whole game. I don't want to rag on him, because I think it had a lot to do with playing the two bigs at the same time and clogging up the lane. My point is painter is slow/resistant to change and it has hurt us in the past.

And there aren't games this year when we get very few points from a starter who plays far worse defense than Davis?

I don't think the problem is with Painter. I just think there's a portion of his fan base that doesn't really understand basketball.

 

[njm8845]

And there aren't games this year when we get very few points from a starter who plays far worse defense than Davis?

I don't think the problem is with Painter. I just think there's a portion of his fan base that doesn't really understand basketball.

I get your point about let's wait to anoint this team.

But I don't think Davis was the shut down defender he was the year before for whatever reason. I also think Mathias is quickly turning into an elite defender.

Most fans would not say this is painter's best team.

But what has me pumped is an apparently weaker big ten.

 

[Goboilerzzz]

And there aren't games this year when we get very few points from a starter who plays far worse defense than Davis?

I don't think the problem is with Painter. I just think there's a portion of his fan base that doesn't really understand basketball.

He didn't even guard IU's best or second best player last year. He hurt us a lot more than henough helped. He was probably our 7th or 8th best player last year and he was on the floor the most. Painter really used him incorrectly last year.

 

[TC4THREE]

He didn't even guard IU's best or second best player last year. He hurt us a lot more than henough helped. He was probably our 7th or 8th best player last year and he was on the floor the most. Painter really used him incorrectly last year.

Well that is your opinion and you are entitled to it no matter how wrong it is.

Merry Christmas!

 

[tjreese]

And there aren't games this year when we get very few points from a starter who plays far worse defense than Davis?

I don't think the problem is with Painter. I just think there's a portion of his fan base that doesn't really understand basketball.

every fan base has fans...and many have little background. The same can be said for many other topics...and I'm sure you are aware of opinions are like...a$$holes in that everyone has one. That said, not only is it not Painter, but all those players are different this year (older as well) and Biggie has been a huge improvement over his previous year. Carsen wasn't there last year and he pushes the ball so fast that he adds a whole new dimension. Last years play with so many post feeds is a skill that AAU doesn't bring out and a skill that makes this team this year more effective. I think of basketball as somewhat akin to making a snowman in that a lot of energy is put into packing the snow and getting it started, but once it is started, rolling is much easier and it grows much quicker... This year is this year and every team has a personality with different leadership abilities...even with the same leaders the year before. It probably can be said that last year was not as good for Davis as the year before AND that his greatest contribution was not inside the court lines, but in teh locker rooms and outside the arena. Definitely his lack of scoring hurt in some games as the rule emphasis has a more offensive game today...offensive in scoring and offensive to more basketball purists...

 

[bonefish1]

Much better offense this year.
The addition of CE has made a huge difference. He brings skills we haven't had since ETwaun.
Last year, we rarely had a guy who could get a clutch bucket when needed. Now we have that guy.

 

[Inspector100]

Much better offense this year.
The addition of CE has made a huge difference. He brings skills we haven't had since ETwaun.
Last year, we rarely had a guy who could get a clutch bucket when needed. Now we have that guy.

If you are saying CE and EM have the same skill set, I disagree. If you are saying these two have SIMILAR impact on the game, I then agree. By the way, I hope you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas day.

 

[nagemj02]

As someone has mentioned before, if V. Edwards and C. Edwards can consistently play to their full potential, this team can be very good in conference play and in the postseason tournaments. Swanigan, Haas, and the Edwards' are the (potential in CE's case) standouts to me and the rest of the team makes for a strong supporting cast when they're on their game.

Yes, a shot-blocker like Hammons is one of the things missing, but they can (and have up to this point) make up for it in other parts of the game.

 

[TopSecretBoiler]

As someone has mentioned before, if V. Edwards and C. Edwards can consistently play to their full potential, this team can be very good in conference play and in the postseason tournaments. Swanigan, Haas, and the Edwards' are the (potential in CE's case) standouts to me and the rest of the team makes for a strong supporting cast when they're on their game.

Yes, a shot-blocker like Hammons is one of the things missing, but they can (and have up to this point) make up for it in other parts of the game.

I agree. Vince can't be the disappearing-reappearing ink that Davis was last year. Gotta produce on both ends all the time. Carsen will be a little inconsistent due to age/experience but Vince has to be a rock.

 

[PistolPt]

I agree. Vince can't be the disappearing-reappearing ink that Davis was last year. Gotta produce on both ends all the time. Carsen will be a little inconsistent due to age/experience but Vince has to be a rock.

Davis was a good leader for sure but let's be honest, instilled no confidence on offensive end of court pretty much all of the season. Vince is too talented and really needs to have a good season and think he will. As a fan I am less worried about Edwards than was with Davis last season.
Somebody needs to be that trust guy that wants ball in his hand if Biggie cant get ball down low in crunch time of a crucial game. Still waiting for Matthias(still might evolve) or it be VE or CE even taking money shot.

AKST daring our guards(mostly Davis and Hill) to take a shot last March still haunts me.